EuroBlog 2018: Ciao, Chianti! Chi Vediamo!!!

And thus concludes our two weeks in the fabulous Chianti region. Countless bike miles logged, many more meals/wines/desserts consumed. It's all good. We will be back!

One last blast in the kitchen

Make sure there's always plenty of vino for the cooks!

Arrivederci to the neighbor's dogs

One last check of photos before we depart

No day is complete without gelato!!

And lastly, a spritz and a beer!

EuroBlog 2018: The Days of Vines and Roses

Here's to good friends, and Best Days Ever! 

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EuroBlog 2018: Castles in the air, Vineyards on the earth

Cypress trees cast shadows on the Uzzano Castle

Our temporary abode, beneath the Uzzano castle, surrounded by vineyards

Ivy vines cling to ancient cypress trees

Baby sangiovese grapes

Chianti Rose:
A rose by any other name is still at rose, and still smells so sweet

EuroBlog 2018: Eat-a-ly

It's no secret, Italian food is pretty darn good. From fine restaurant,s to neighborhood pizzerias, cafes and gelaterias, fresh fruit and vegetable markets, and even the neighborhood Coop grocery stores-- Everything seems to taste better in Italy!

Pan-seared Branzino stuffed with fresh rosemary, lemon and garlic
My first attempt ever at cooking a whole fish--minus the heads that wouldn't fit in the pan! 

The ultimate happy hour: bruschetta & vino in the vineyard 

Even the lettuce has more flavor here!

Salad fixings at La Frutteria in Greve

Fresh squash blossoms, before...

... and after!

Appetizers instead of dinner? Why not? As along as there's still dessert!

EuroBlog 2018: Chillin' at the Villa

When not out riding our bikes or checking out the town, we have enjoyed relaxing in our hillside apartment.

Incredible views from every window

Ah, nothing quite like enjoying a good Chianti--in Chianti!

Here's John catching some zzz's while watching the Giro on TV

Meanwhile, Jim is catching up on his emails and Instagrams...

...and Marlene catches the last rays of afternoon sun

EuroBlog 2018: Under the Tuscan Sky

Our evening tradition of watching the sunset across the vineyard

Enjoying the outdoors between thunderstorms

Vineyard view of our villa

Heavenly sunset

EuroBlog 2018: Team Chianti, 2.0

Great to be reunited with Jim and Marlene, who joined us here in Chianti two years ago. Looking forward to revisiting old routes, and discovering new ones, in the next two weeks.

And we're off, with the first flat of the week!

Jim cresting the hill and under the bridge into Radda in Chianti

"Take me home, country roads!"

Always in search of the next route, and the next espresso stop

Marlene enjoying another Best Day Ever!

Two chicks and a rooster in Panzano

Overlooking the valley at Panzano in Chianti

John test-driving my bike after fixing the derailleur

My bike seems to be working fine now, thanks to my Norwegian mechanic :-)

EuroBlog 2018: Amici Americani

Welcome to Tuscany! So glad to have Marlene & Jim join us here!

Jim checking out the vineyards across from our place

Marlene outside Alessandro's pizzeria, La Cantina di Greve

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EuroBlog 2018: Cycling Adventures

The best part about cycling: stopping off for an expresso and dolce

The not-so-good-part about cycling: mechanical problems

Not sure, but I think Jim may be attempting a root canal on Marlene's bike?

Ah, Toscana! La vita è bella!